24 exceptional ice sculptures

As a traveler, I’ve learned to equate ice with travel delays and closed roads. When I worked at a party planning company, I associated ice sculptures with decoration for swanky weddings.

I DIDN’T THINK of ice as more than a hassle for traveling or kissing swans that are gone by the end of the wedding reception, but there are festivals, contests, and exhibitions for ice sculptures that showcase how frozen water can be made into art. Here are 24 exceptional ice sculptures from around the world.

Harbin, China

They're not messing around at the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in China. The festival comes from the tradition of ice lanterns in the Qing Dynasty: the local peasants and fishermen made lanterns by pouring water into a bucket, freezing it, then warming it up. It was then warmed, a hole was chiseled in the top, and the water remaining inside poured out, creating a hollow vessel. A candle was then placed inside making a windproof lantern. (Travel China Guide)Photo: frankartculinary

2

Paris, France

Standing guard: a British soldier in front of Big Ben along the Champs Elysees in Paris in 2010. Photo: Alexandre Marchand

Ottawa, Canada

"The Capital of Japan: Tokyo" from the 2007 annual Winterlude festival in Ottawa, Canada. The sculpture was carved by master Ice Carver: Junichi Nakamura. Junichi Nakamura was assisted by Ka Wai Wong, member of the Canadian Ice Carvers Society. Photo: Kasia/flickr

5

Harbin, China

A sprawling and elaborately lit ice temple at night from the 2009 Harbin Festival. Photo: erinohara73

Boston, Massachusetts

Ottawa, Canada

A Russian bear in Canada. "The Capital of Russia: Moscow" at the Winterlude festival: carved by Master Ice Carver: Vladimir Zhikhartsev and assisted by Kevin Ashe, member of the Canadian Ice Carver's Society.Photo: Kasia/flickr